Pivotable Induction Blade Trim Brake for Reliable Ride Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amusement ride speed trim systems face challenges in quickly and reliably reducing the speed of passenger vehicles due to mechanical interference and friction issues in guide systems, particularly with eddy-current braking devices.
Innovation Solution
A speed trim system featuring a magnet arrangement on the passenger vehicle and a trim brake along the track with a pivotable induction blade supported by a pneumatic cylinder, allowing for precise and rapid adjustment of braking force by pivoting the induction blade between active and inactive positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eddy-current braking devices with movable magnet arrays are used for speed trimming, then braking force can be adjusted, but mechanical interference and friction in the guide system prevent quick and reliable speed reduction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the magnet arrays along the track to adjust braking force, the patent inverts the approach by keeping magnets stationary on the track and moving the induction body (fin-like structure) attached to the vehicle. This eliminates the need for complex guide systems to position magnets while still achieving variable braking force through the relative motion between magnets and induction body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical guide system required for moving magnet arrays with an electromagnetic interaction system. The braking force is controlled by the relative motion between stationary magnets and the vehicle-mounted induction body, eliminating mechanical friction and interference in the guide system while maintaining reliable speed trimming capability.
2Ease of operation
If magnet arrays are displaced to adjust braking force, then speed trimming is possible, but magnetic force between arrays pushes magnets toward equilibrium, reducing control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional eddy-current brake configuration by placing magnets on the stationary track and the induction body on the moving vehicle. This eliminates the problem of magnetic forces pushing movable magnets toward equilibrium, as the magnets remain fixed in position while the induction body moves with the vehicle, providing precise and stable speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own motion to create the relative movement between magnets and induction body. The braking force is automatically adjusted according to the vehicle's speed through the interaction between stationary magnets and the moving induction body, eliminating the need for active displacement control of magnets while maintaining precise speed regulation.
3Ease of manufacture
If friction brakes are used for speed reduction, then simple construction is achieved, but mechanical interference and wear reduce reliability and increase maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based mechanical brakes with an eddy-current braking system using stationary magnets and a vehicle-mounted induction body. This eliminates direct mechanical contact and friction between brake components, significantly reducing wear and improving reliability while maintaining relatively simple construction. The braking force is generated through electromagnetic induction rather than mechanical friction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and efficient speed trimming of passenger vehicles, reducing the risk of mechanical interference and improving reliability by using a low-friction pivotable induction blade instead of moving magnets, allowing for quick and precise braking.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet arrangement (7) located on the at least one passenger vehicle (4), at least one trim brake (10) located along the track (2), one or more sensors (18) for measuring the speed of the passenger vehicle (4) approaching and/or passing the trim brake (10), and a control system (19)
Implementation Method 2
When the passenger vehicle (4) passes the trim brake (10), and the magnet arrangement (7) of the passenger vehicle (4) is passed along the induction blade (13) of the trim brake (10), a magneto-motive, i.e., braking force, is created
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an amusement ride, such as a roller coaster, comprising a vehicle track and a speed trim system for reducing the speed of the passenger vehicle traveling along the vehicle track. The speed trim system comprises a magnet arrangement located on the passenger vehicle, at least one trim brake located along the track, one or more sensors for measuring the speed of the passenger vehicle approaching and/or passing the trim brake, and a control system. According to the invention, the trim brake comprises a pivotable supported induction blade, that can be pivoted about an induction blade pivot axis between an active position, for trimming the speed of the passenger vehicle while it passes the trim brake, and an inactive position.